Niki Lauda was an Austrian Formula One racing driver, entrepreneur, and aviation entrepreneur. Born on February 22, 1949, in Vienna, Austria, Lauda displayed an early interest in racing and began his career in motor racing in the late 1960s.

After a brief stint in a banking job, Lauda turned his full attention to racing and quickly made a name for himself in the motorsport world. In 1974, he won his first Formula One World Championship driving for Ferrari. He followed up this success with another championship win in 1977.

In 1976, Lauda suffered a horrific crash at the Nürburgring during the German Grand Prix, which left him with severe burns and lung damage. However, just six weeks later, he made an astonishing return to racing, displaying incredible determination and resilience. This remarkable comeback earned him widespread admiration and earned him the nickname “The Rat,” for his fierce competitive drive.

Lauda went on to win his third and final championship in 1984 after coming out of retirement in 1982. After retiring from Formula One, he started his own airline, Lauda Air, which became known for its high safety standards. He later sold the airline to Austrian Airlines.

In addition to his racing career and entrepreneurial endeavors, Lauda also made a notable impact in the film industry. He was portrayed by Daniel Brühl in the acclaimed 2013 film “Rush,” directed by Ron Howard. The film depicted the intense rivalry between Lauda and British racer James Hunt and received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Lauda’s accident and his subsequent comeback.

Throughout his career, Niki Lauda received numerous accolades and recognitions. In addition to his three Formula One World Championships, he was also awarded the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for his contributions to the sport.

Lauda was known for his candid and often controversial statements, which earned him a reputation for being outspoken. He was highly respected within the racing community for his technical expertise and his ability to analyze and understand the intricacies of the sport.

Sadly, Niki Lauda passed away on May 20, 2019, at the age of 70. His legacy as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, as well as his remarkable determination and resilience, continue to inspire generations of racers and fans alike.